Witness appeal after second robbery in city centre underpass

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was forced to hand over his mobile phone during a robbery in an underpass in Derby.

The 19-year-old victim was walking through the underpass linking Derby College to Railway Terrace when a man approached and asked him for the time.

The offender then became aggressive and threatened the victim several times, before grabbing his iPhone and making him unlock it.

The robber in the latest incident was white, about 5ft 10ins, aged about 20 or 21, of stocky build but with a thin face, and short, shaved brown hair. He wore a dark grey hoodie with dark stripes down the arms, dark tracksuit bottoms and black trainers. He had a pierced ear and a tattoo on his neck.

After the robbery, he ran up the steps out of the underpass and along Railway Terrace.

During the incident, which happened at about 5pm on Tuesday, July 15, two men walked through the underpass, close to where the robber and victim were standing.

Officers want to speak to those two people and any other witnesses to the offence.

A robbery also took place in the same location at about 5.45pm on Monday, July 14, where the 18-year-old victim was asked for the time before being threatened and having his phone taken.

Detective Sergeant Chris Richmond said: “Two robberies have taken place in the same location in the last two days, where the offender has asked for the time and then stolen the victims’ phones.

“During the latest robbery, at least two people walked close by and we urgently want to speak to them to see what information they have.

“I also want people to always keep their personal security in mind and if they don’t feel comfortable walking somewhere alone, then don’t. Find an alternative route, or walk with a friend or a group of people if you can.”

Witnesses or anyone with information on either of the robberies should call Derbyshire police on 101.